Collis P. Huntington State Park

Quick Facts

Things To Do

Overview

Spreading 883 acres over fields and dense woodlands, Collis P. Huntington State Park is a peaceful and tranquil setting in Fairfield County. The land was donated to the state by the famed Huntington family. Philanthropist and financier Archer Huntington, son of railroad tycoon Collis P. Huntington, bought the property in 1939 and lived there with his wife Anna Vaughn Hyatt, a famous sculptor. They named the estate "Stanerigg," a Scottish word meaning "stony ridge." Anna's statues of howling wolves and a family of bears can be found at the park entrance. The property was willed to the citizens of Connecticut in 1973, and affords fantastic areas for hiking, biking and horseback riding, along with five man-made ponds that are great for fishing and boating. Winter enthusiasts will enjoy the cross country skiing when the trails are covered in snow, while sledders flock to the hill near the entrance for great sliding fun. Pets on a leash are permitted.

Activities

Boating

Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to spend your time in one of the parks five ponds.

Bicycling

Collis P. Huntington has something for beginners and experts alike. There are many natural stunts, some killer climbs, including the Vomits; Big and Little. If you pedal to the top of one of the vomits and don't vomit you are incredible. Home to the nationally famous CT NEMBA (New England Mountain Biking Association) Rock and Roll Trail, as seen in the October 2006 Edition of Mountain Bike Action, Black Diamond Bonanza, Most Difficult places to ride in New England.

Fishing

Spend a tranquil day fishing in one of the parks motor-free ponds. You may catch bass, trout and yellow perch

Hiking

The park is composed of 883 acres with trails cutting through fields and dense woodlands.

Historic Sites

With its rich history and past ownership from the Huntington family, the park makes for an interesting cultural tour. Mr. Huntington's wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington, the internationally famous sculptress, worked with clay and scaffolding in her studio. Mr. Huntington centered his activities at Stanerigg as a noted poet, Spanish scholar, art patron, and founder of the Hispanic Society. The estate will most be remembered for Anna Hyatt Huntington, whose sculptures of bears and wolves welcome visitors at the park entrance. Among the most famous of her sculptures are Joan of Arc in New York City; Cid Campeador in Seville, Spain; and the heroic statue of General Israel Putnam at the Putnam Memorial State Park entrance in Redding.

Horseback Riding

Sunset Hill Farm is uniquely located in picturesque Redding, CT on the former estate of Anna Hyatt Huntington, an internationally famous sculptress. Nestled up to the quietude of the 878 wondrous acres of Collis P. Huntington State Park, Sunset Hill Farm offers a blissful retreat for riders and horses alike.

We offer boarding, sales, lessons, training and showing for riders of all ages and abilities.

Winter Sports

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular and tranquil activities at Collis P. Huntington State Park.

Directions

Driving

Off I-84 Eastbound: Take Exit 5. At stop sign, continue straight to traffic light. Turn right onto Main Street and travel to its end (1.25 miles). Turn left onto South Street, at 2nd light follow Route 53 into Bethel. At Route 53 and Route 302 follow Route 302 east for 1.6 miles. At Route 58 and Route 302, follow Route 58 south for 4.6 miles then take a left onto Sunset Hill Road. Collis P. Huntington is 0.8 miles on the right.
Off I-84 Westbound: Take Exit 9. Take Route 25 South for approximately 3 miles, then turn west onto Route 302 for 6 miles. At Route 58 and Route 302, follow Route 58 south for 4.6 miles then take a left onto Sunset Hill Road. Collis P. Huntington is 0.8 miles on the right.
Off Merritt Parkway Southbound: Take Exit 42. Take Route 136 north for 5.2 miles, at the intersection of Route 136 and Route 58, follow Route 58 for 7 miles then take a right onto Sunset Hill Road. Collis P. Huntington is 0.8 miles on the right.
Off Merritt Parkway Northbound: Take Exit 44. Take Route 58 North for approximately 10 miles. Turn right onto Sunset Hill. Collis P. Huntington is 0.8 miles on the right.